Falcons Foiled By Gold Kings

Published on March 29, 2002 under ECHL (ECHL)
Fresno Falcons News Release


Colorado Springs, CO – Despite three-point performances from Mike Mathers and Dale Junkin, the Fresno Falcons were defeated by the Colorado Gold Kings 5-4 Friday night in West Coast Hockey League action. The crowd of 4,986 fans in Colorado saw the Gold Kings snap an 8-game winless streak in a game that was highlighted by a combined six power play goals from the two teams.

The Falcons' offense got started early as Mathers and Jason Weaver both scored power play goals within the first six minutes of the opening frame. All of the Falcons' newcomers were able to figure in the scoring, with Drew Schoneck assisting on Mathers' 20th tally of the season, and Jason McBain and Derek Cormier getting the helpers on Weaver's 21st of the year. The Gold Kings high-powered offense finally kicked into gear later in the period, when former Falcon Craig Lyons and Xavier Majic both were able to beat Falcons' netminder Terry Friesen, knotting the game at two after one period.

Fresno and Colorado played evenly through the second period as well, each notching a single goal in the frame. The Falcons' power play continued to shine, as Junkin eluded Gold Kings' goaltender Kirk Daubenspeck for his second point of the night. Mathers and Schoneck assisted on the goal. Zac Boyer netted the equalizer for Colorado with just 21 seconds remaining in the period.

Kris Porter ended the stalemate just seven minutes into the final period on a goal that was assisted by Mathers and Junkin, but the Gold Kings did not back down. Lyons struck again late in the period with his second goal of the night, scoring on the power play to knot the game at four. Colorado's power play wasn't done yet, as Majic scored his second goal of the night with just one minute remaining in the game to lead the Gold Kings to victory. The Falcons remain winless on the large ice surface at Colorado's World Arena, and drop to 29-30-8 on the season. Fresno's magic number to clinch third place in the Southern Division remains at two.

The Falcons complete their two-game series against the Gold Kings tomorrow night. The game can be heard live on KAAT 103.1 FM, with the Coors Light Pre-game show kicking off at 6:50pm Saturday night. The Falcons then return home for their final three regular season home games, when they will face Long Beach, Idaho, and San Diego. The Falcons will face off against the Ice Dogs on Tuesday night at 7:00pm at Selland Arena for the final Two For Tuesday game of the season, presented by Carl's Jr and Fox 26. Fans can pick up a 2 for 1 ticket coupon at any Fresno-area Carl's Jr location. Single-game tickets are available through Selland Arena's box office or online at www.ticketmaster.com.

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ECHL Stories from March 29, 2002


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